Glenn Gould recored two separate variation recordings of pieces by J.S Bach in 1955 and 1981. Though they are recording of the same piece, there are many different elements to each of them. Each performance emphasizes the polyphony within Bach’s piece. The right hand the left hand are both playing different notes at different times, in which both recordings do well with precision. Emphasis on the polyphony also shows the similarity in the melody, as they are the same piece and require precision between the two different lines. In both recordings, there is growth in the music in the last third of the piece which drastically dies down right before the end, showing the conclusion. There are many areas where the two recordings contrast each other as well. One of these areas is the tempo, where it can be heard in the 1955 recording being played quicker than in the 1981 recording. A change in the rhythm is evident as well, as the 1981 recording is played more freely that its prior. It also effects the dynamics of the pieces since more care is taken of the 1981’s dynamics, so there is a wider variety. The two recordings are very clearly different, but do share similarities as well as differences.
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As discussed throughout the class, noise and music are very influential to human society and would be a great introduction to human life for any extraterrestrial life. If given to opportunity to contribute to The Golden Record Project, I would include conversations from different languages from around the world, I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables, and Night Changes by One Direction.
Communication is a critical part of the human experience. The different languages and tone of voice used in those language truly paints a picture of what life is like in our world. I Dreamed A Dream, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful musical theatre songs ever written and is from one of the best musicals. The music and lyrics are composed in such a way that truly capture Fantine’s pain. Night Changes by One Direction is a great example of popular music from our current era, which influences society. It also is about growing up and that influences human life, not only day to day but also in art and other media.
These three sections should be included in The Golden record Project because they each show an important part of the human experience. Conversation is what society is built off of and is the primary form of communication and storytelling in many cultures. I Dreamed A Dream demonstrates pain from the human experience which is conveyed in the instrumental as well as the lyrics, transcending language. It is also an example of the impressive art form of musical theatre. Night Changes captures the essence of growing up which is a major part of human life and would help extraterrestrials understand the importance of coming of age in human culture. Together, these sounds and these songs would show aliens what human life is like.
- Looking back at the “bones of summer” how have you engaged or created art? If you haven’t engaged or created art, please describe why.
I have been creating and engaging in art all throughout my life. I was raised going to live theatre and learning how to play music. Throughout my time, I have played piano, French horn, guitar, and I sing. I learned how to play and sing music including jazz, classical musical theatre, and pop, allowing me to have insight into these different genres in my everyday life. I have also been in various plays and musicals and have watched various different productions as well. Other forms of art I both engage and create are collage art, sewing, songwriting, and playwriting.
- What things, if any, surround you that you consider powerful?
I consider people who I have in my life to be powerful. My friends and I often discuss our art with each other and pitch ideas to one another. The media that I consume is also powerful, as there are many instances of it influencing my art. Both also influence how I spend my time, whether it is spending time with my friends, playing my favourite video games, or rewatching my favourite tv shows.
- Over the next couple of days, take note of the dominant sounds in areas that you consistently walk. What are the sounds you notice most of all? Be specific.
I live along a busy road, so most of the sounds I hear are related to that; There are cars, busses, and other people going home. Â Sometimes, if I leave for work early, I can still hear the birds as I walk to my bus stop. The other place I typically walk a lot is the university campus. The sounds that I hear there are footsteps, the building doors opening and closing, and the squirrels in the trees.
- How do you relate to the phrase “free time only works if you steal it?”
There are many ways that I relate to the phrase “free time only works if you steal it”. I am in classes full time, pursuing a BFA in theatre and a minor in music, and I work part time, so my schedule is typically very full. As I’m focusing on class, work, and homework, I find the need to steal time for the things I enjoy, which does defiantly feel overwhelming at times.
- Do you have any other takeaways from the film?
Another take away that I have from the film is how important it is to continually create throughout your life. Leslie Laskey radiated joy and contentment throughout the film and I could see his true passion for what he does. Art is for everybody.
There might be a topic or idea stemming from a Prompt you might like to expand upon. When you do so, please make sure you include the “Free Inquiry” category and it will be visible here.
This blog site is the primary way you can submit work for MUS 116. In particular, the 20 Blog Prompts you will be given through the course website. You’re also able to take this site with you forever as a portfolio/website.
Before proceeding, I expect you to consider your privacy preferences carefully and that you have considered the following options:
- Do you want to be online vs. offline?
- Do you want to use your name (or part thereof) vs. a pseudonym (e.g., West Coast Teacher)?
- Do you want to have your blog public vs. private? (Note, you can set individual blog posts private or password protected or have an entire blog set to private)
- Have you considered whether you are posting within or outside of Canada? This blog on opened.ca is hosted within Canada. That said, any public blog posts can have its content aggregated/curated onto social networks outside of Canada.
First tasks you might explore with your new blog:
- Go into its admin panel found by adding /wp-admin at the end of your blog’s URL
- Add new category or tags to organize your blog posts – found under “Posts” (but do not remove the pre-existing “Prompt” category or sub-categories, like Free Inquiry).
- See if your blog posts are appearing on the course website (you must have the course categories assigned to a post first and have provided your instructor with your blog URL)
- Feel free to add pages
- Embed images or set featured images and embed video in blog posts and pages (can be your own media or that found on the internet, but consider free or creative commons licensed works)
- Under Appearance,
- Select your preferred website theme and customize to your preferences (New title, etc.)
- Customize menus & navigation
- Use widgets to customize blog content and features
- Delete this starter post (or switch it to draft status if you want to keep for reference)
Do consider creating categories for each course that you take should you wish to document your learning (or from professional learning activities outside of formal courses). Keep note, however, that you may wish to use the course topic as the category.
Lastly, as always, be aware of the FIPPA as it relates to privacy and share only those names/images that you have consent to use or are otherwise public figures. When in doubt, ask me.
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